KENYA: CHALLENGE OF EVANGELIZATION WITHIN AFRICAN VALUES
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
LANGATA-KAREN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2011
TAKE-2
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
The Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin in his address during the AMECEA Assembly, Wednesday at Catholic University said there is a great need in Africa to give African values a priority in evangelization.
When we talk of African values we refer to African cultural values that include the sense of community life, sense of good human relations, sense of the sacredness of life, of hospitality, of the sacred and of religion, sense of respect for authority and the elders, sense of language and proverbs among others.
Proverbs serve as the best approach since the meaning of proverbs is easily understood because so much can be said with a minimum of words. For example, a Ghanaian proverb: "The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people" has proved to be an accurate assessment of life.
Another Ghanaian proverb shows the value of being an honest person at all times. "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths" is a saying designed to show how destructive one falsehood can be to the reputation of a person. This proverb helps to preserve our good name. This is because an African believes that "honesty is the best policy" to keep your reputation sound.
Although a well-known saying in African culture that "it takes a whole village to raise a child" can no longer work in our modern world today, this saying is very important because it reminds us that for any child to develop successfully, they should benefit from the input of the whole community.
In many days the training children was not left to parents alone but the entire community and neighbourhoods. Children were trained how to respect elders, to be honest, responsible, human among others.
This is also true in African philosophy: "I am what I am because of who we all are." It speaks of the essence of being human, particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality you are known for your generosity.
In an African context it suggests that the person who behaves with humanity will eventually be an ancestor worthy of respect or veneration. The philosophy behind the African communalism, therefore guaranteed individual responsibility within the communal ownership and relationship.
Some of these proverbs and languages enabled Africans to dislike violence per se. This is because shedding of blood is abhorred. People who were killed were those whose continued existence was a threat to the life of others and to the peace of the community.
In such cases, the principle that it is better for one man to die than for all the community to perish, applied. War was only taken to as a last resort- that is when all formal and normal courses of action to search for peace had failed.
Suicide was never permitted in most African communities because punishment for it was such that the person was not buried since his corpse was also believed to be abominable to mother earth.
Although the African sense of hospitality is one of the African values that is still quite alive today, because of mistrust this is also diminishing slowly. In early days the Africans easily incorporate strangers and give them lands to settle hoping that they would go one day, and the land would revert to the owner.
Known as ITEBEA in 1960 then, although AMECEA was the brainchild of the Catholic Bishops of Tanganyika (today's Tanzania) there was a need to corporate it with other countries under the then Apostolic Delegation (today's Nunciature) in Nairobi, that was, Kenya, Nyasaland (today's Malawi), Uganda, Sudan, Tanganyika and Northern Rhodesia (today's Zambia).
When these other Bishops' Conferences agreed to the necessity of working together, the then Apostolic Delegate (today's Nuncio) Monsignor Guido Del Mestri consulted Rome. Rome gave its approval.
This was the time when many AMECEA countries were heading for independence-Tanganyika (1961), Uganda (1962), Kenya (1963), Nyasaland (1964) and Northern Rhodesia (1964) under charismatic leaders such as Hastings Kamuzu Banda (Nyasaland), Kenneth Kaunda (Northern Rhodesia), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Julius Kambarage Nyerere (Tanganyika) and Milton Obote (Uganda).
These periods the society needed value-led leaders. Leaders who were highly qualified and creative, but at the same time who were people of moral integrity guided by Christian and gospel values, of which some of the mentioned leaders were not qualified because the white missionaries working in these regions viewed them as communists.
Historically the first plenary meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam from 17th - 26th July 1961 under a very significant theme: "The Future of the Church in Africa". Interestingly the agenda items for this first Plenary included: The Church and Media: Regional TV, Radio Station and Printing Press.
Spiritual Formation for the Diocesan Priests, a need for a centre for pastoral renewal and on - going Formation, a possibility of a regional university or at least a University College, a comprehensive Self - reliance Programme, the future of Catholic Schools and Catholic Education (need for a Christian Religious Education Syllabus).
Other areas included Justice and Peace issues in the region. Present during that historic meeting were Bishops from Kenya, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Uganda and Northern Rhodesia. These were the founding members of the regional body. The Sudan and Eritrea/Ethiopia joined later though the former were observers from the beginning.
The Bishops decided to form a board consisting of Bishop Representatives from the five founding conferences. This was known as the Inter-Regional Episcopal Board in Eastern Africa (ITEBEA). Initially of course , ITEBEA was not to be a permanent structure, but rather a study forum where Bishops could meet time and again and together reflect on pastoral issues of common interest within the region. This was why they elected a part-time Secretary, Father Killian Flynn, who till 1964 was also full-time Secretary General for the Bishops' Conference of Northern Rhodesia.
The meeting elected as ITEBEA's first Chairman the Most Reverend Adam Kozlowiecki, the former Archbishop of Lusaka till 1969 and now a Cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus. The Late Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa was the President of ITEBEA.
Today Cardinals are called Patrons of AMECEA. In a nutshell the beginnings of ITEBEA were characterized by the presence of prophetic and foresighted church leaders. The original intention of ITEBEA was to be a regional forum for collaborative study of and reflection on pastoral issues of common regional interest.
The following was how the plenary themes were designed: 1961: The Future of the Church in Africa- 17th - 26th July 1961, Msimbazi Centre Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1964:Review of Draft Constitution of AMECEA- 4th November 1964, Rome, Italy.
1967: Pastoral Perspectives in Eastern Africa after Vatican II- 4th - 11th September, 1967, St. Mary's School- Nairobi, Kenya, 1970: The Priest in Africa Today- 3rd - 10th August 1970, Dominican Convent School Lusaka, Zambia, 1973: Planning for the Church in Eastern Africa in the 1980’s-14th – 23rd December 1973, St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Nairobi, Kenya. 1976: Building Small Christian Communities in Eastern Africa-13th – 23rd July 1976, St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Nairobi, Kenya,
1979: The Implementation of the AMECEA Bishop’s Pastoral Priority of Building Small Christian Communities: An Evaluation- 8th – 16th August 1979, St. Peter’s Major Seminary Zomba, Malawi, 1982: Families: Truly Christian and Truly African- 22nd – 28th August 1982 K.T.T.C. Nairobi, Kenya.
1986: Families: Truly Christian and Truly African- 28th April – 10th May 1986, Cooperative College Moshi, Tanzania, 1992: Evangelism with its Central Issues: Inculturation, Small Christian Communities and Priestly, Religious and Christian formation- 15th – 30th August 1992, St. Dominic Major Seminary Lusaka, Zambia.
1995: The Role of the Church in Development in the Light of the African Synod- 6th – 20th August 1995, St. John the Baptist Major Seminary Mangochi, Malawi,
1999: Formation of Agents of Evangelization- 26th July – 8th August, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Nairobi, Kenya.
2002: Deeper Evangelization in the new millennium-14th – 27th July 2002, Kurasini
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2005: Responding to the challenges of HIV / AIDS within the AMECEA Region 3rd- 11th June 2005 Mukono, Uganda, 2008: Reconciliation through Justice and Peace in AMECEA Region 27th June – 7th July 2008 Lusaka, Zambia.
June 27- 6 July 2011-AMECEA Family of God celebrating a Golden Jubilee of Evangelization in solidarity- Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya- AMECEA Golden Jubilee/ 17th Plenary Assembly.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
Kenya: Mwau’s driver, bodyguard faked shooting
from Judy Miriga
Folks,
I am concerned, how then did the Government decide to give Harun Mwau beefed-up protection yet he is supposed to have been handed over to authorities to face charges.........what is going on??????
Harun Mwau seems to be enjoying the two Principles security protection against the public security......
Why is the security of people being put in a muzzle by this coalition Government by allowing fear and threats to inflict the public.....?
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Mwau's driver, bodyguard faked shooting
Uploaded by capitalfmkenya on Jun 29, 2011
Police Wants Mwau's Driver, Pa Prosecuted
Cornelius Mwau
29 June 2011
Kilome Mp Haroun Mwau's driver and body guard are likely to prosecuted for giving false information to police on the shooting of the MPs car last week.
Police commissioner Mathew Iteere says investigations have revealed that Mwau's vehicle was not shot along City hall way as reported by the two and that the shots were fired at the vehicle while it was stationary.
Iteere says the two could have been dead or badly injured if they were in the car during the shooting.
Mystery Surrounds Attack On Mwau Car
25 June 2011
Was it stage-managed? Why was the driver not injured even though his side of the car was sprayed with bullets by unknown gunmen? Those are the questions Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere was asking last night as he investigated reports that Kilome MP Haroun Mwau was targeted in a car shooting incident on Thursday night.
Unknown gunmen sprayed Mwau's vehicle with bullets on City Hall Way on Thursday night, ten days after Mwau claimed his life was in danger. The MP was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Yesterday Iteere personally inspected the MP's grey Range Rover 4.0 HSE twice at the Central Police station. He said that it was inexplicable that gunmen could have fired six bullets at the moving car; hit the driver's door shattering the window; ripped the handbrake lever cover; and hit the front passenger side without injuring either the driver or the bodyguard who were in the vehicle.
The MP and assistant Transport minister has claimed that his life is in danger ever since President Barrack Obama named Mwau and a Kenyan businesswoman Naima Nyakiniywa aka Mama Lela among the seven top drug kingpins in the world earlier this month.
"It defies all laws we know about shooting that the driver or the escort were not injured during the incident as reported. From what we have seen, it must be a great stroke of luck how anyone could have been shot at like that and escape without injury," police boss Iteere said at Central Police Station. The police tested the scenario by making the driver sit in the vehicle to demonstrate how it happened.
Police ballistic experts doubted that two bullets from the same gun could have struck the door handle both at the top and bottom of a moving vehicle. XXX "It is not possible that the bullets would have struck the spots they have if the vehicle was moving and if they did, then the driver would have definitely been injured," said one police officer who viewed the car.
Before the shooting, Mwau's driver and bodyguard had dropped off the MP at Parliament Buildings and then drove to his offices on Moi Avenue. As they were driving back to pick up Mwau, according to the driver's statement, unknown men overtook them near the Garden Square restaurant and sprayed their vehicle with bullets at 10.15pm.
The driver's door had three bullet holes while the rear right door had one bullet hole. The driver's window was completely shattered by bullets while one bullet exited through the passenger door, leaving a huge hole.
Though at least six rounds were fired in the incident, only one 9mm cartridge was recovered at the scene. The rounds were most likely fired from a Ceska pistol. The bodyguard, a police officer, did not discharge any bullet from his firearm.
The bodyguard and driver have recorded statements with the police but Mwau was yet to do so so by the time we went to press. Police want to speak to anyone including security guards who might have heard the gun shots or seen the alleged gunmen.
Yesterday Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere was still doubtful about the attack. He said a team of investigators were dispatched to comb the area on Thursday night but by morning, no cartridges had been recovered.
Iteere said Mwau visited him in his office a week ago to lodge a complaint about suspicious vehicles that he believed were trailing him. Iteere gave the MP extra security after Mwau sent a request for specific officers he wanted to be included on his security detail."The seriousness of this matter is that from June 3, I have been seeing some weird characters both white and black near my office and House and I think that my life is in danger and I would like to know what guarantee there is for my security because it seems there is an agenda that is being played here," the MP stated in Parliament ten days ago.
Meanwhile the Criminal Investigation Department has dismissed the US dossier on Kenya drug lords as 'rumours.' Stephen Ndaru, the CID Anti-Narcotic Unit chief, yesterday said the police could not make any arrests on those because the allegations were not concrete. "This is not a civil matter which is based on probabilities, but a criminal justice issue that cannot dwell on mere accusations as the US report highlighted. The report failed to give information on the barons beyond reasonable doubt. It is easy to accuse but very hard to prosecute," Ndaru said.
He admitted it was not easy to crack down on drug barons in Kenya as they have strong networks and no direct contact with dealers. "We require tangible evidence as the suspects will be acquitted if taken to court when it is lacking," Ndaru said, adding that some people fear going to court to testify making it difficult to prosecute.
However, he said the police have arrested 1227 people suspected of peddling drugs in the last six months. Police seized 103 kilograms of heroin; 12 kilograms of cocaine; 1182 kilograms of hashish and cannabis; and 122 tablets of psychotropic substances. Ndaru said the police were working various international bodies with a view of arresting the drug barons.
Iteere recommends prosecution of Mwau's aides
By CYRUS OMBATI
Two aides of Kilome MP Harun Mwau are likely to be arrested to face charges of giving false information to the police.
Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere revealed on Thursday they have recommended the two to be charged with giving false information regarding the gun attack on Mwau’s car in the city last Thursday night.
The alleged attack took place along City Hall Way near Garden Square at about 10 pm.
Iteere said it was clear the vehicle was not shot at the said place because there were no empty cartridges at the scene of the purported shooting.
He added that the impressions made by the bullets on the body of the MP's car were "consistent with those made on a stationary vehicle and not a moving one".
"It is impossible for the occupants of the motor vehicle to have escaped without injuries if at all they were inside the motor vehicle at the time," said the police boss.
The legislator's guard and driver had called police and claimed that the vehicle was shot at by unknown gunmen on the City Hall Way as they drove to pick up Mr Mwau at the Intercontinental Hotel.
They said a car overtook the MPs' Range Rover near Garden Square restaurant and its occupants fired six shots shattering the driver's side window but they escaped unhurt.
Iteere told journalists at Vigilance House the issue rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko, who will decide whether to prosecute.
The police boss is understood to have met Tobiko in his office Thursday morning shortly before the press conference. A team of counsels at the DPP’s office is now reviewing the file.
"In view of the above, I have directed that the file be forwarded to the DPP with a recommendation that the two individuals be charged in court for the offence of giving false information," added Iteere.
The two aides were grilled for hours after the shooting incident. Mwau has also been questioned regarding the incident and told police he was not at the said place at the time of the shooting.
Iteere said a team of detectives from Flying Squad has taken over investigations into the attack to find out the gun used in the attack.
He said it is possible the shooting did not take place at the scene as alleged by the two aides.
Police had sought an opinion of a ballistic expert on the attack on the car to know the trajectory angle and penetration of the bullets that were fired.
According to police, claims on the attack defy all the laws known about fired ammunition
Kenya: The Going on Squables of Sam Okello Mayor of Kisumu
from Judy Miriga
Folks,
PM Raila and Kibaki as Principle leaders in the Coalition Government must come clean.
I am compelled to raise objections in the way both the two Principles are taking Kenya for Ransom, a price Kenyans have to pay for MAJIMBO FEDERAL GOVERNANCE, through painstaking public outcry and demand to eradicate corruption, and as was publicly demonstrated through the popular reflection at the REFERENDUM.
In their slaw pace to kill the Majimbo Federal Governance from being implemented within the stipulated required timetable, they are being seen to short-changing, playing dilly dally, raising political temperature for 2012 electioneering, avoiding the nitty gritty facts that are required as threshold to provide a conducive environment for free and fair 2012 electioneering and to avoid the repeat of 2007/8, we are treated to Road-Show Drama after Drama.
I would expect all Nations Party done first to elect New Officials before any Public Office elections are done as is according to policy mandate for approaching the General Election.
Secondly, it is futile and against the spirit of the New Constitution to call for the Public Office Representation of Governorship, Mayoralship, Councillors or even call for National election before 2012 and before the Implementation of Majimbo Federal Government is properly organized and set to take place.
This is an act of Blackmailing Public Trust and Confidence, to call for Mayoral election now, pretending it is according to schedule, while we are being treated to the Old System of Constitutional Electioneering, in which case, these are signs of small pockets of activities that are slowly eating away the New Constitution from taking effect and is equally illegal and unconstitutional, breaching the appended National Reform Agenda and according to the spirit of the Public Referendum for the Majimbo's Federal Governances' New Constitutional Order.
This is a year of Hope for Kenyans to achieve and witness tranformation of the New Constitutional Electioneering where People are awaiting to elect leaders of Integrity who are not Crrupt, who are able to deliver the required services as public needs and demands. People with vision who are able to prepare ground for Competition and Challenges so Kenya and Africa are able to enjoy prosperity and growth, sharing in their National God given Natural Wealth in a give and take distributive profitable manner under Partnership Agenda for success, and in the same footing with the rest of the world away from poverty striken, getting stuck in the mad of hopelessness.
This is not a time to scheme for changing tactics to appoint or nominate suitors who are going to join the bandwagon of corruption, graft, impunity and Terrorism Gangery.........
Consequently, there will be no election without the Implementation of the New Constitution is concluded, and therefore, targeting Mayor Sam Okello for July election is totally not in order and is unconstitutional. To say Sam Okello was picked by PM Raila, is totally irrelevant when compared to work performance. If his work is good according to expectation, he must be able to sale his principles without looking for PM Raila back-up. This applys to all Councillors who expects to be elected. This is because, they are being elected by public to serve the Public not for the interest of PM Raila...
However, those who are getting ready for re-election, must be social, interract and engage the community to improve and turn around poverty situation through creating opportunities for job and employment to uplift the Middle Class group in Cooperatives and Business Plan with Social Welfare Agenda for Prosperity..... The Middle Class Society is the backbone of Economic strength and Stability of any Community or the Nation.
All other elections for Councillors will equally fall under the New Constitution Order, No but or ifs or cutting edge short-cut........This is the Law people.......and every Public Office must go according to the Law and spirit of the New Constitution.
The scheduled July 1st 2011 election is therefore, Null and Void and completely and thoroughly unconstitutional.
Sincerely,
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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From: Evans MACHERA
Subject: Sam Okello is going nowhere
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 8:43 AM
Dear all,
That is the kind of leader we want unless we want people who gets remote controlled politically.
Given that the millions debt was settled,salaries paid and payment is done on due date,then the wrangles are a creation by ill people who want to benefit from ill gotten wealth and wants no stabilty.They have been threatened by good leadership - we must nurthure such leaders for a national cause.
Evans MACHERA.
From: odhiambo okecth
Sent: Sun, June 26, 2011 3:07:55 PM
Subject: Sam Okello is going nowhere
Joshua,
Sam Okello is going nowhere.
What Sam has done in Kisumu cannot be matched by any of the current pretenders. They might pay idlers as they did, but that will only end at that.
We are moving Kenya to a new level where development must be key to what we are doing and how we relate.
Do you remember that when Sam was elected Mayor of Kisumu, the Council was in debt of Kshs 376 Million and they had not paid their employees salaries in eight months? The debt has been cleared under his watch and the salaries come on time nowadays.
Do you know that under his watch the Kisumu Airpaorts construction took an active turn and the Airport is being officially opened next month?
Do you know that under his watch, Kenya Breweries Ltd are coming back to Kisumu in the next 2 months and that will come with added value to the people of Kisumu?
Do you know that the City Planning is complete under his watch and that now awaits implementation only?
Did you know that Water and Sanitation has been a mojor problem in Kisumu, and right now, everything has been set up and all arrangements and plans are ready for commissioning?
Did you know that the team under Sam have addressed Education, Health and Infrastructural issues in Kisumu and the Town is ready for take-off?
Did you know that the schools that were being commissiined by the Rt Hon Prime Minister has consumed Kshs 580m and this has been done under his watch?
Joshua, I really expect someone of your calibre to engage the people and show them the way when they are doing such stupid things as being paid to make noise. I expected that you will see reason and debate the facts and see if Sam really must go.
There are several projects that are coming up in Kisumu and we need hands on guys like Sam Okello to drive the process.
You quote the benefits of the Constitution out of context. The Constitution is meant to work for the benefit of Kenyans and not to be used as an impediment to Rapid Development that Kisumu so needs.
Sam Okello is doing to Kisumu the kind of development that we are witnessing towards Thika. We need such kind of leaders all across Kenya. We must not begrudge what is happening elsewhere. We must appreciate such kind of developments if we also have one focused leader effecting the change that we need.
For how long will we be saddled with dead woods for leadership? On this score, you have sourly let me down brother.
Oto
From: joshua nyamori
Subject: Kisumu residents to mayor Sam Okello: Mene mene tekel upharsin!
Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 11:23 AM
I am amazed at how the new Constitution is revolutionizing the minds of Kenyans. Today the current mayor of Kisumu is a lonely man, abandoned by majority of his councillors who have vowed to remove him during the July 1st mayoral elections, Cllr. Sam Okello expected that Hon. Raila Odinga who literally forced hiim down the throats of elected councillors in 2008 would pull a first one on the councillors, by publically ordering them, during the PMs rally in Kisumu today, to vote for him.
But the masses at Nyamasaria market were wild and did not hide their opinion from the Prime Minister as they displayed anti-Okello placards and shouted their feelings for the PM to hear. When the Prime Minster tried to introduce Sam Okello to a crowd during a stopover at Oile Market, he had no options but to retrieve the microphone as women vendors turned wild booing Okello as they walked away. They only came back and stopped the booing when Raila took back the microphone from Okello.
The message is clear for Okello. The Hebrew would have told him mene mene tekiel upharsin (the writing is on the wall). He has lost both his councillors' and the public's goodwill and not even the Prime Minister can save him. He must quit or be voted out on July 1st. To all the leaders, including the Prime Minister, the public is being unequivocal: sovereignity is with the people and leadership has no option but to adopt servant leadership. The age of the strong man leadership is fast fading away.
Reports on terrorism trends & patterns, over 4 decades, several regions
from Yona Maro
subject Patterns in Terrorism in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia: 2007-2010
This report draws on an extensive modeling effort by Andrew C. Gagel. It provides a statistical trend of the US count of terrorist actions by terrorist organization in each region and country, along with maps of the number and density of terrorist acts. These trends and developments are summarized in a short overview for each sub region.
The data on North Africa do not yet reflect the sudden wave of instability and unrest sweeping through the region. The data that are available, however, do reflect a sharp drop in the overall level of violent terrorism in the region, driven largely by the success of the Algerian regime in defeating extremist movements in the that country.
http://csis.org/files/publication/110629_MENA_Central_Asia_China_Terrorism_2007_2010.pdf
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from Yona Maro
subject Terror Trends: 40 Years' Data on International and Domestic Terrorism
A decade after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking back is as important as looking forward in order to learn from the past and to examine the current and future threats facing the U.S. This survey aggregates international data on global and domestic terrorism from the past 40 years. Combined with new intelligence, this data can better inform U.S. counterterrorism decisions and continue the process of delineating enhanced homeland security policies for the future. From 1969 to 2009, almost 5,600 people lost their lives and more than 16,300 people suffered injuries due to international terrorism directed at the United States. The onus is now on the President and Congress to ensure that the U.S. continues to hone and sharpen its counterterrorism capabilities and adapt them to evolving 21st-century threats.
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Africa & India : The African Press Organization Opens Offices in India
from African Press Organization
PRESS RELEASE
Media relations – Africa-India - The African Press Organization Opens Offices in India
Mumbai, Dakar 29 June 2011 (APO) -- The African Press Organization - APO (http://www.apo-opa.org), global leader in media relations related to Africa, announced today the opening of offices in Mumbai, India.
Logo: http://www.apo-opa.org/LogoHD.JPG
India has been actively promoting trade with Africa over the past few years. Trade relations between India and Africa have reached 31 billion USD in 2009 and 2010. India GDP growth is over 8% and the country is determined to reinforce its presence in the African continent.
The APO now offers Indian companies investing in Africa the possibility to use APO’s innovative communication tools. From press release distribution to virtual press conference, webcast, promotion of events and eReputation, Indian companies will be able to send their messages to targeted audiences in Africa.
“By starting this new venture in India the APO is filling an important gap in the communication landscape of Indian companies that have been boosting their commercial relation with countries in Africa. The opening of our India offices aligns with the important growth of South-South trade,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Secretary General.
To manage this new office, the APO appointed Ms Rachana Chowdhary as Country Manager for India. In this position, Rachana will be responsible for setting up and expanding the local presence of the African Press Organization. Rachana has over 15 years experience in the media industry in India.
“It is crucial for Indian companies investing in Africa to communicate on their activities with the local and international audience following Africa-related issues”, said Rachana Chowdhary, newly appointed APO Country Manager for India.
About the APO
The African Press Organization (www.apo-opa.org) owns a media database of 25,000 contacts and the main Africa related news online community. It partners with the world leaders in the information industry. The APO offers a complete range of media relations tools such as press releases distribution, press videoconference, webcast, events promotion, media monitoring and eReputation.
The African Press Organization provides free services to African journalists, innovative communications products to Public authorities, companies, and supports many African and International institutions in their strategic communications.
Media contact:
Eloïne Barry
APO Executive Director
+41 22 534 96 97
exd@apo-opa.org
Rachana Chowdhary
Country Manager for India
Cel.: +91 96197 76084
india@apo-opa.org
AU: Climate Change / Wangari Maathai Calls on AU Leaders to Take Action on Climate Change
from: African Press Organization
PRESS RELEASE
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 29, 2011 -- On the eve of the Africa Union (AU) Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai is calling on African leaders to respond to the global climate change crisis—a crisis that disproportionately impacts Africans, particularly African women.
“Climate change does not affect everyone equally,” says Wangari Maathai, who won her Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work linking the environment, peace and sustainable development, while promoting democracy in Kenya. “Here in Africa, we are paying a high price for a rapidly changing climate – more droughts, food crises and it is set only to get worse. We can see how climate change is already aggravating the competition for resources and the economic stability all over this continent.”
In 2009, Maathai addressed the UN Special Session on Climate Change, and called on world leaders to commit resources to helping African countries address the destructive impacts of climate change. Now she is telling African leaders that they, too, must do their part.
“As African leaders, you must rise to the challenge posed by climate change,” says Maathai. “Many of our countries have experienced decades of environmental mismanagement or outright neglect. Indeed, some governments—including my own—have facilitated the plunder of the forests, the degradation of the land and unsustainable agricultural practices. Many communities in Africa are already threatened by the negative impacts of climate change. Children in Africa are dying from malnutrition as women struggle to farm on land that is less and less productive. People on coastlines are losing their homes as the seas consume the coastlines.”
The next UN Summit on climate change will be held in December 2011, in Durban, South Africa. Maathai says “COP17 - the official name is the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties - is an opportunity for Africans to show global leadership on an issue that is critical to the future of the planet, particularly of the region.
“The AU Summit is the last chance for African leaders to come together and focus on climate change before the global gathering in Durban. African leaders must use this opportunity to commit to some concrete actions that will increase the pressure on Western and other countries to accelerate their efforts to provide support to the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change.”
Maathai says heads of state should make every effort possible to reduce the vulnerability of their communities by giving them knowledge, skills and tools to adopt sustainable technologies and participate in the green economy. “Africa can leap frog the polluting and carbon intensive development model that is the legacy of most western countries.”
Maathai, who was made Goodwill ambassador to the Congo Basin Forests in 2005 and is co-chair of the Congo Basin Forest Fund, points to the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation in Developing Countries Programme (UN-REDD). REDD is an example of a programme that, if implemented well, could help empower Africans in addressing climate change and protect the natural environment on which all Africans depend. REDD seeks to reduce deforestation and protect standing forests—deforestation is of the leading causes of climate change--by recognizing the additional value of forests based on their capacity to store carbon and thus reduce greenhouse gases. REDD could lead to developed countries paying developing ones to reduce emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
“If programmes like REDD are going to help communities in Africa, especially those in the Congo basin, then we must show leadership to ensure that the people most impacted by forest management issues, including women, are present at the decision-making table,” says Maathai. “Protection of standing forests and other practical environment and community based measures to deal with climate change start with effective and transparent leadership at the top. The eyes of the world are on Africa to see how the resources offered to help her deal with climate change are effectively managed and make a difference to her people”
Leaders from across the continent are gathering this week in Malabo for Seventeenth Ordinary Session of the African Union, being held June 30 to July 1.
Wangari Maathai is the 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate, founder of the Green Belt Movement and founding board member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative.
Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the Nobel Women’s Initiative
Media contact:
Liz Bernstein
Executive Director
Nobel Women's Initiative - Advocating for peace, justice & equality
Tel: + 1 613 569-8400
+1 613 262 1969 (mobile)
lbernstein@nobelwomensinitiative.org
www.nobelwomensinitiative.org
Kenya: Where are the Emerging Crop of Leaders?
From: odhiambo okecth
In a meeting with Mr. Nahum Okwiya, the Executive Director at Africa Youth Trust yesterday at their offices, the question of Alternative Leaders came up....follow up this by visiting our blogs and website.
www.kcdnkenya.org
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-are-alternative-leaders.html
Original poems
from kennedy maina
Maybe I shouldn’t tell you what I know
But this is exactly what I saw
I’ve seen love turn a sweet girl
Into a hateful, revengeful girl
Sprite full girl dull.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Find more poems here http://poetryinafrica.blogspot.com/
Good day
Kennedy Oketch(Maina)
KENYA: FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE AMECEA IS STILL FACED WITH MANY CHALLENGES
from ouko joachim omolo
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
KAREN-NAIROBI
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011
TAKE-1
As Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), a Catholic service organization for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa, namely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and Djibouti -Somalia as affiliate members celebrate a Golden Jubilee of Evangelization in Solidarity, it is still faced with many challenges.
Some of the challenges include the challenge to develop a culture of peace, need to strive for the right relationships within the Church, promotion of ecological justice, formation of Christian conscience among the people and Christians, lack of foundations to stand polarization, and lack of solidarity among Christians as compared to other denominations.
Other challenges include need for Church to take an active role in politics, strategy to make the social teaching of the Church a reality, emphasis in human development, the family, that is, children, parents, collaborators and friends to be deeply evangelized, the formation of the pastoral agents; religious men and women, priests, and bishops and to prioritize the values of reconciliation.
From June 27 through July 6, 2011 Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) has been accorded the honour of hosting the 17th Plenary Assembly which will also mark the Golden Jubilee for AMECEA. The venue is at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Langata-Karen.
The meeting will be officially opened by President Mwai Kibaki of Republic of Kenya on Wednesday June 29, 2011 at 0945hrs. It will be the Solemnity of St. Peter and Paul and the Holy Mass will be in honour of Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of his priestly ordination. Main celebrant will be Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin- Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya.
The vision of AMECEA is: A Holy Spirit filled family of God, committed to Holistic Evangelization and Integral Development. Its mission is to inspire and empower God's family in AMECEA to a credible and prophetic witness to Christ, by promoting unity, justice, peace, and solidarity.
Some of the themes for discussion include a theological frame-work for addressing the quality dimension of evangelization in the AMECEA region, Justice, Peace and reconciliation, the role of Church leadership/ Bishops in the enhancement of evangelization in solidarity in AMECEA region, Good governance among others.
In evangelization, the challenges AMECEA Bishops are faced with include the evangelization in relationship with ethnicity, tribalism which in Africa has to remain top agenda. If evangelization is to take root in Africa, credibility and relevance of the Church has to remain evident, especially the tendency of insisting on the institutional Church and not the communitarian Church has to be reformed.
Yet, since the first African to the second Synod up to now regarding reconciliation,
Justice and Peace has left a negative impact on our social life in the sense that it lacks a common approach in solving problems and peace building, proper understanding of Catholic faith by Catholics and poor training of agents of evangelization including catechists and Social Teaching of the Church as a priority.
Other challenges the AMECEA Bishops are faced with include proper democracy in many African countries, poorly managed political elections, conflicts, poverty, poor health care, poor education, globalization, ecological imbalance and brain drain.
If we take country by country represented by AMECEA and begin with Eritrea, politically is one party system under transitional government. As such it does not have term limit for presidential elections.
This is because the new constitution is not honoured. This loophole gives the president power to postpone elections indefinitely like what it did in 2001. So the president can manipulate and that is why human rights are rated very low. Democratic space is almost zero.
This has resulted to Eritrean Churches to suffer a great deal in the hands of President Afwerki. His government has been seeking to possess by force the infrastructures of the Church sponsored Schools and Hospitals and vehicles.
In neighbouring Ethiopia the story is the same. Human rights abuses are on the increase daily, massive rigging, manipulation of NEBE (National Election Board of Ethiopia), arbitrary arrests and killing of protesters among others.
In Sudan even though according to Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), the key elements of the peace deal are being ignored. Nothing like media freedom that is why State-run radio and TV reflect only government policy since Sudan TV has a permanent military censor to ensure that the news reflects official views of the government. Abused human rights still a big problem.
In Uganda even though it is thought to be a democratic country, still there is no freedom of expression. President Yoweri Museveni has dominated the country for 25 years and still he won again another term.
Museveni believes no Ugandan apart from him can rule Uganda. His main rival, Dr Kizza Besigye from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change has faced treason and rape charges - as well as terrorism charges in a military court – which his supporters say are politically motivated.
He had to influence Parliament to abolish a constitutional limit on presidential terms in 2005, paving the way for him to seek a third elected term. He has also imposed severe restrictions on multi-party politics.
In Kenya the story is the same. No president wants to leave power not until his second term ends. It explains why presidential election on December 27, 2007 were protested by Kenyans when President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner and sworn in on December 30, despite opposition leader Raila Odinga’s claims of victory.
The violence left over a thousand people dead and property worth billions destroyed. Still there are over 30, 000 Internally Displaces Persons (IDPs) who have not been resettled despite demonstrations that the government should do so. Apart from manipulation of elections, corruption and high level scandals still the order of the system. Gap between the rich and the poor is ever increasing.
Although in Malawi relatively the road to the state house and the legislative house can be said to be rather peaceful, especially because the actual 2004 election process did not seem turbulent, the fact remains that there are irregularities surrounding Malawi general elections according to election observers.
The irregularities range from the registration of voters, verification of the voters’ roll, primaries for respective political parties, and nomination of Presidential and Parliamentary candidates to the ongoing campaign period.
In Zambia the story of rigged elections are the same. Michael Sata had to go to court after he had claimed that Rupiah Banda rigged the election. But like many Africa countries the ruling of the courts are always in favour of the president since he controls judiciary. Because foreign miners are getting it almost free, the economy of Zambia has declined, with Zambian kwacha going down to the USD very steadily.
Although in Tanzania the president is to go for the second term, practically no president has been defeated until he ends his term as required by the constitution. Poverty levels are steadily very high due to bad governance and corruption. The mining-displacement still is a big problem in Tanzania. This is not to mention education and health challenges.
Yet still, in AMECEA regions the number of people living with HIV cannot afford medicine. Many people, especially children are dying of malaria almost daily. Conflicts are still rampant in some African countries.
Root causes of the conflicts are ethnic tensions, political instability, poverty, manipulation scarcity of basic needs, water supplies, grazing land; famine, internally displaced persons (IDPS) and refugees, proliferation of small arms contributing to civil strife and cattle rustling; land grabbing, witch hunting, women and gender based violence, escalation of terrorism and fundamentalism among others.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
Kenya: Speach by Architect Okinda JT at the ODM Youth 2012 National Convention
From: odhiambo okecth
From: jt okinda
INTRA PARTY DEMOCRACY. WHERE ARE WE?
It was great being invited to contribute my piece by those of you who believe that the country is greater than any one of us. As young people, you have decided rightly that you need a sustainable political vehicle with which to ferry your ideas to the next level.With the promulgation of the new constitution, the country is experiencing unprecedented political awareness than has been experienced before. This is because the constitution is built at the altar of people friendly institutions of governance. Political parties by their own nature are instruments of democratic governance. It is imperative that all political parties in Kenya practices intra party democracy.Democracy requires periodical elections. The constitution spells out that all members of a given political party are entitled to participate in such elections without fear or favor. The rider is that elections must be by secret ballot. Any party elections not conducted as per the constitutions can easily be annulled by the court. To build our parties, we must be ready to accept the principal of mutual respect for all those who choose to be members of the party. People make free choices when it comes to party membership. It is important that those choices are respected even at the time of discourse even where difference of opinion surfaces. As members of ODM, we must admit that at some point, rain started beating us. This is the best way to confront the beast that has made our party headline news since the last election circle. The starting point is the party nomination of 2007. Orange was riding high on opinion polls before our nomination of 2007. Our match to take over the leadership of this country was unstoppable.Come the 2007 nominations, we goofed! Members of the high table, notably nicknamed Pentagon, decided to disrespect the party constitution by giving themselves direct nomination. Party members who had political ambitions but hailed from constituencies where Pentagon members had awarded themselves direct nomination decided to take a walk to other parties. This was the beginning of our declining popularity. Other occupants of the high table such as the party national chairman, the party national secretary general all claimed a price of direct nomination. It was disheartening to our members who had shown interest on some of these seats to have been denied the basic fundamental right to participate in the nomination process. There are several cases where people had paid the kshs.100, 000 nomination fees which were never refunded! This amounted to daylight robbery!Bickering as ODM family started just during and after nomination of party candidates. Members of the so called Pentagon worsened the situation by influencing the nomination of their cronies in regions they purportedly controlled. The whole nomination process was a farce! This gave the party bad publicity to the extent that the party youth literally broke into party offices, beating up party staff and destroying party properties as part of the protest. The nomination fallout gave our opponents plenty of ammunitions to throwaround. Our defecting members dissatisfied with the nomination also swelled their ranks. We must never allow this to happen again.The rigging of the national Presidential Election at the end of 2007 brought the ODM family together as they protested the election outcome. As the country moved to power sharing deals between the two contending parties, ordinary members were once again forgotten. The leadership had gotten their half bread and the members became irrelevant as the bread was being shared among the political elite! At the sharing high table
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there was no difference between ODM and PNU. All were greedy for the slice! Four years down the line, no tangible engagement with the voting party membership has been felt. The relevance of party members is now starting to be felt as we approach another election circle and votes are needed for the full loaf!Politics in my view, should not just be for the capture of power for the elite to grow richer, but should be for the general good of the entire population. Political parties should create mechanism of being at tandem with their supporters. Apart from the existence of physical structures that provides office spaces, there must be well harnessed human resource to manage the offices. Relevant communications gadgets such as computers, internet connectivity, printers and other writing materials should be part of the office infrastructure. In addition to all these, a functioning library to disseminate party and other relevant state information must be within reach.Information is power. The party must use its spread to transmit development information to the people. People want to know how to access bursary funds, youth enterprise funds, women enterprise funds, constituency development funds and other funds from state and private actors. The party that cares will ensure that the general membership has the information needed to access these funds. Apart from providing data banks at the branch offices for the funds, the branch/sub branch secretariat will be available to assist party members in filling up relevant application forms and making a follow up for disbursement.The party branches can effectively be used to promote development agenda for the locality. Information on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, horticulture, green house agriculture, agro forestry, crafts development can be transmitted to the people by the branch officials guided by professionally qualified branch executive. Such level of involvement will make the party relevant all year around.By directly engaging with members on development issues, the party will consistently be recruiting new members. It is through improved membership that revenue for running party affairs can be raised. Our relevance as a party of posterity can only be felt if we consistently show our commitment to the economic empowerment of our people. The best way to confront our national weakness such as corruption, negative ethnicity is through civic education conducted by the party.In order for our party to be positioned for 2012 leadership of this great country, credible party elections must be conducted. Building confidence among our members will greatly enhance our image as a party of reform. The leadership must allow the election process to be as free as possible and in tandem with the constitution. This time around leaders must come from the grassroots membership of party rank and file. Any attempt at imposing leaders will force all reformists to move away from ODM and seek another political vehicle to carry the reform agenda through.By deciding for elections, ODM is again leading from the front. After the enactment of the new constitution, it is imperative that all political parties create internal structures in conformity with the supreme laws. Most parties have been used to filling party positions through selective processes. This is no longer tenable as the new supreme law is very categorical that democratic elections must be held to fill party position. Elections have to be by secret ballot. Election by acclamation is no longer an option.
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As we wait for our party elections come July, it is imperative that we focus on how best to manage the process so that the resulting officials meets the threshold of gender and regionalism.The newly adopted party constitutions create 27 party offices. With 47 counties, it will not be possible to create room for officials in all the 47 counties. The party must therefore work out modalities of ensuring that all the formerly crafted 8 provinces and interest groups are represented at top decision making organ of the party.Regional balancing might look undemocratic to some, but it is unavoidable if the spirit of the new constitution is to prevail. In order to ensure that democracy prevails at the National Delegates Conference, various contenders of party offices are expected to create alliances across all the provinces. As a contender for Secretary General’s post at the national level, it is my contention that as a party, the interest of the youth must be at the centre of our policy based on Social Democracy as has been expounded on several of our policy papers. Job and wealth creation is at the core of solving numerous challenges facing our youth.You cannot create jobs without creating wealth. Wealth creation must also not be an end in itself but we must spread this wealth around to meet the needs of our youth. Our youth do not expect a free bite. They would like to work and earn a descent wage for work done. Negotiating institutions for wealth distribution such as Central Organization of Trade Unions must be empowered to genuinely represent workers on such negotiations. Compromising workers interest at the altar of underhand deals must be criminalized.The party on its part must create linkages between our youth and various state actors formed to empower the youth socially and economically. Bodies such as the Youth Enterprise Funds must be made to serve the youth diligently. Contrary actions must fall under criminality as it is sabotage against state interest which is likely to compromise state security.Sports bodies such as FKL and others must be made transparent and answerable to the Kenyan youth. Currently such bodies are lead by people on their twilight years. This should never be the case. The party must sponsor legislation which will ensure that age becomes a factor to allow for transition of management of sports from the old generation to our youth.As a party of reform, our Women must be empowered to contribute their full potential to the economy. This can only be achieved through genuine implementation of affirmative action endorsed by the Kenyan people when they voted for the new constitution. Our mothers, sisters, aunties and wives are not subordinate to anybody! They are fully fledged human beings with full rights under the new constitution. As a party of reform, we must bring out a leadership outfit which will ensure positions rotate between the sexes. Where a Woman is to be elected Party Chairman, a man must be her deputy and vice versa.As with Youth programs, Women programs must be made known to our women through a well structured information super highway. Information technology is no longer a choice; it is a must knowledge for the modern citizen. Our party must develop the IT department which will enable our members to have access to information at all times.
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All branches must have branch offices with executive officers recruited through structured manner and paid salary by the party. The party leader in his address to the delegates last year, indicated that he will personally visit the regions and open these new orange houses. With the new party offices and the installation of computers and internets, membership data will be available at the branch offices for the purpose of proper coordination.The new look ODM strives to promote work culture to our Kenyan people. It will be expecting impossible for the party to promise salaried employment to all able bodied Kenyans. Self initiative and the spirit of enterproniaship is the way to go. The party must strive to create enabling environment for business to prosper. While the world sings free market, this is piped dream for those who have no start-up point. The people must be educated and assisted to venture into business.Corruption is a culture which kills business. As a party the new look ODM must at all times fight the culture of corruption and patronage. Impunity is no longer an option. Those guilty of corruption must dance the music of corruption while serving their terms in our jails. KACC commission must deliver or they themselves answer to abuse of office charges.As we prepare our party for a new start, those who contributed their part during the second liberation must note that they are fully appreciated. This of course does not mean a right to hold offices where their performance can no longer meet our expectation. They should therefore gracefully give room to the new actors to move our country forward.Architect OKINDA JT
Kenya: Special Needs Empowerment Programme
From: odhiambo okecth
Friends,
Following the postings of all that we have done with your support since January 2011, Ms Juliet Mwaniki, the Programme Coordinator at Special Needs Empowerment Programme did call me and asked how they could also be part of what we are doing- www.kcdnkenya.org http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
We were really touched yesterday when Juliet sent me Kshs 2,000.00 as part of their contribution to The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. We were truly touched. Just read this;
In the meantime, I am sending Kshs. 2,000/- to you on behalf of Special Needs Empowerment Programme.
This is to inform others that the Disabled persons are not beggars as perceived but can also give a service to improve our country environment.
Thank you and kind regards.
Juliet Mwaniki
Programme Coordinator
This was explosive. And we at KCDN are greatly humbled by this noble gesture. Please accept our sincere appreciations and thanks.
We will be working with the Special Needs Empowerment Programme henceforth in all our campaigns across the Country. We will move with them to the trenches on 9th in Komarock, on the 16th in Kisumu City, on the 23rd in Kakamega and on the 30th in Kileleshwa in Nairobi.
All Friends who also believe that A Clean Kenya Starts With Me are invited. We are touched and we are looking forward to working with Juliet and her Team across all Kenya.
In the meantime, all those Friends who feel that we are doing the right thing and would like to join, participate with us and even support our logistics, are all invited to come forward and help in driving The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign forward.
We have Four types of Partnership and you may fit as a Premium Partner, or, as a Gold, Silver or Bronze Partner.
You are all welcome to the Trenches.
If it is to be, it is up to me. A Clean Kenya Starts With me. A Peaceful Kenya is my Responsibility.
Partners;
Premium Partners;
A Better World- www.sofdi.com
Gold Partners;
Silver Partners;
Akiba Uhaki Foundation- www.akibauhaki.org
Bronze Partners;
Phoenix Aviation Ltd- PHOENIX AVIATION LIMITEDMugumo Communications Ltd- www.mugumoltd.com
Disclaimer; The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign is about us Kenyans. It involves all Kenyans from the various regions, religious persuasions, political thinking and we do not discriminate against any Kenyans nor any region.
Peace and blessings,
Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Nairobi
Nationwide Coordinator - Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
National Coordinator- Friends of KNH Maternity Unit
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi Kenya.
Tel; 0724 365 557, 0735 529 126
Email; oto@kcdnkenya.org, komarockswatch@yahoo.com
www.kcdnkenya.org
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch
World Drug Report 2011
from Yona Maro
The World Drug Report documents developments in global drug markets and tries to explain the factors that drive them. Its analysis of trends and emerging challenges informs national and international drug and crime priorities and policies, and provides a solid foundation of evidence for counternarcotics interventions. Drug markets and drug use patterns change rapidly, so measures to stop them must also be quick to adapt. Thus the more comprehensive the drug data we collect and the stronger our capacity to analyse the problem, the better prepared the international community will be to respond to new challenges.
http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2011/World_Drug_Report_2011_ebook.pdf
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Kwa Nafasi za Kazi kila siku www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
http://worldngojobs.blogspot.com/ Nafasi za Kazi Kimataifa
Kujiondoa Tuma Email kwenda
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Kenya: Speech by Oto to the ODM Youth 2012 Convention
Tel: +254 724 365 5557
Odhiambo T Oketch
Email: oto@kcdnkenya.org
25th June 2011
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to have been invited to this First Convention of the Orange Democratic Movement Youth 2012 to share my thoughts and aspirations for Kenya with your Conveners from the 47 Counties of Kenya.
I must start by making it clear that I am a Kenyan who believes in Kenya and Kenyans. I believe that, united as One People Under God, we can deliver for Kenya. I also want to make it very clear from the outset that I did accept the invitation from your very able Chairman Mr. Norman Magaya strictly on account that my presence will not restrict me to sharing my thoughts with any other Kenyans of different political persuasion.
We are One Family and our destiny as a country must be in our hands no matter what we believe in, no matter what faith we profess and which ever political party we belong to. And this is why we at KCDN have made very deliberate efforts to work with all Kenyans in our various activities.
I was delighted in my discussions with your Core Team and what impressed me more was your desire to do things differently as you pursue partisan political agenda. I was much more impressed with your interest in the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign and our Child Support Programme. This is one area that has been very close to my heart and this is why, The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign is getting accepted in all the regions we are visiting.
We will work closely with you in our Clean-up Campaigns, just like we have been working with all Friends of KCDN. But when it comes to your political agenda, you are on your own. We will not participate because the Clean-up and the Child Support Initiatives are campaigns which we are running in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the Local Authorities, the Provincial Administrations, the Corporates, the Institutions of Learning and Friends of KCDN from all political persuasions and beliefs.
This is a campaign which appreciates that we are all Kenyans and that Kenya is far much greater than any one of us. This is our Kenya, the Kenya we all want and at KCDN, we have developed a maxim; A Clean Kenya Starts With Me. As responsible citizens, we must invite ourselves to doing the right things;
Disposing our waste responsibly,
Building our houses responsibly- we must abide by the set standards and respect the by-laws.
Driving our cars responsibly on our roads as we respect the rights of other road users and life,
Paying our taxes just like all Kenyans are doing,
Having access to affordable Health Care System by joining the National Hospital Insurance Fund,
Helping in upholding the rights of all Kenyans as established in the Constitution,
Voting responsibly and accepting defeat if need be,
And loving our neighbours as we love ourselves.
As a political Lobby Group, you will face challenges in dealing with Kenyans. I want to assure you that you will not get anything for free. You will have to fight for your space, first, within your own party and secondly, within the Kenyan political arena. You will be called names and branded all sorts of things. But you must be ready to deal with that. I know you have the numbers and the will power. I also know that you are ready and decided.
You have the moment that can make you change the dynamics of politics in Kenya. For long, the middle class have always sat down to watch football as other Kenyans struggle to make Kenya better. I am happy that you are ready to change this and move with some of us to the trenches. I want to watch you in action to enable your Chairman join our team of growing Generals; men and women who have led from the front in the Clean-up Campaign.
You are the change we want in Kenya.
For so long and I want to be very clear on this, Kenya has been messed by bad politics. For 48 years, we have nothing to be proud of as Kenyans. We are talking of a Vision 2030 that is heading nowhere. The only thing we are seeing as country working for Vision 2030 is the Road Network to Thika and the envisaged Railway Network, again, to Thika. The rest of the Country has nothing.
We are talking about the fight against corruption yet, corruption is planned daily in Government by the people we are paying to manage the affairs of Kenya. Just imagine where Kenya would have been if our political leaders put efforts at National Development the same way they are putting efforts at stealing money meant for educating our kids?
Just imagine where Kenya would have been if our political leaders put in efforts at National Development the same way they are putting efforts at stealing maize that should feed Kenyans?
Just imagine where Kenya would have been if our political leaders put in efforts at National Development the same way they are putting efforts at stealing oil that should drive our Industries, vehicles and power our kitchens?
Just imagine where Kenya would have been if our political leaders put in efforts at National Development the same way they are putting efforts at planning Goldenberg?
Just imagine where Kenya would have been if our political leaders put in efforts at National Development the same way they are putting efforts at planning Anglo-Leasing?
You have some chance to address these ills as political players and this you must do without any fear or favour. Do not be afraid of attacking corruption and bad leadership even if it is coming from your own party, from your fellow tribes man, even from your family. You must seize the moment and help bring internal democracy to Kenya.
I am happy that Kenya is largely benefiting from the efforts of the Rt Hon Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga and a few young Kenyans who dared the authorities at their time to help us get the freedoms that we are currently misusing. When the Young Turks dared the then regime, many Kenyans sat on the fence and even hit them back. They were arrested several times, some detained and now, we are all benefiting from their toil.
We can even afford to dare someone like the Rt Hon Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya to freedom contests, yet, when he was fighting for these freedoms, some of us were firmly serving the then regime. But that is politics, the domain you guys are joining.
I wish that you will also stand up and stand up for Kenya. We must get new crop of Kenyans who can stand up and feel the heat on behalf of us just like Raila Amolo Odinga has felt the heat for us. I know that some of you are ready for the heat. You are welcome to the trenches.
I also know that you have cowards amongst you. They are also welcome, because history has taught us that you can be a perpetual fence sitter and still end up well. The option is yours.
We are the change we need for Kenya. Some of us have decided to do things differently and I believe that you will also bring in some difference in how you conduct your affairs and relate with Kenyans. The time is now and you must seize the moment.
If we do the right things, we will be at peace with ourselves and we will leave a legacy just like your Party Leader is leaving for Kenyans. He is a man we must all respect. The man has tremendous will power and he has done Kenya proud. I am happy to note that he is the only leader who talks about Kenyans being One Family Under God besides His Excellency the President Mwai Kibaki.
He needs your support and our collective support as Kenyans. I know you can help propel his campaign to the next level. You have the numbers and you are all still in your prime, just like he was when he started fighting for the rights of Kenyans. Go out and do all that you can to help him.
Today, I have the privilege of calling you into action. I know you are the face of Kenya and the leaders upon whom our sorrow and mismanagement of the last 48 years lies.
Let us join hands as Kenyans and help clean our country under the auspices of The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. I want to invite all of you to the trenches across all Kenya; http://www.kcdnkenya.org http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Let us join hands and be of support to the Mothers and their Children under the auspices of the Child Support Initiative.
Let us clean our mindsets of the cobwebs of tribalism, nepotism, hero worship, bad governance, corruption, and rampant stealing of state resources. Let us invite our leaders to love Kenya more than they love themselves.
Let us rally Kenyans to the dictates of Chapter 6 of our Constitution on Integrity and Leadership.
Let us invite Kenyans to go for Identity Cards, register as voters and help put in place a Captain who can lead us in crossing the Bridge; the Bridge of poverty, mismanagement, bad governance and all that.
Let us invite Kenyans to vote for a leadership that unites, inspires and visionary.
Let us invite Kenyans to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund as an affordable Health Care Scheme of choice.
Let us invite Kenyans to all join in the fight against corruption.
Let us invite Kenyans to be active monitors of Devolved Funds. These are not personal donations to our Members of Parliament and Councilors. These are funds meant to develop Kenya.
Let us invite Kenyans to live the dream of our fore fathers; a Kenya where Justice is our Shield and Defender.
Let us invite Kenyans to live peacefully with each other, embrace the spirit of love and engage each other in harmony and humility.
Let us invite Kenyans to be the champions of Social Justice and Human Rights.
Let us invite Kenyans to be the Change Agents that we want.
You have the numbers and I want to believe, you have the energy.
God bless us, God bless the Captain and God bless Kenya.
Odhiambo T Oketch is the CEO at KCDN and the Nationwide Coordinator of the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. He is also the current Chairman to the City Council of Nairobi Stakeholders Evaluation Team on Performance Contracting and Rapid Results Management. He is also Chair to the Nyamonye Catholic Church Development Fund. He was also the Co-Chair and Coordinator of the Great Nairobi Walk against Corruption that was held in Nairobi on the 22nd October 2010. He is the Convener of the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Great Nairobi Walk against Corruption to be held on the 21st October 2011 in Nairobi Kenya.
.......Moving From Talking to Tasking........